oct 6, 1183 - Battle of al-Fule

Description:

The Battle of al-Fule, also known as La Fève, in September and October 1183, was a significant clash during Saladin's campaign against the Crusaders, where the Crusader forces led by Guy of Lusignan held off Saladin's Ayyubid army from Egypt.

Background:
Following his defeat at the Battle of Montgisard in 1177 and his victory at Jacob’s Ford in 1179, Saladin, the ruler of Egypt and Syria, continued his efforts to undermine the Crusader states. By 1183, King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem was incapacitated by leprosy, and Guy of Lusignan, married to Baldwin’s sister Sibylla, was appointed regent.

Campaign:
In late summer 1183, Saladin launched an invasion into the Kingdom of Jerusalem, advancing through the Jordan River into the Jezreel Valley. His forces ravaged the region, including the villages of Jenin and Afrabala and the monastery on Mount Tabor. Guy of Lusignan mustered a large Crusader force at La Sephorie and moved to defend the strategic point of La Fève (al-Fule).

Battle:
The Crusaders, significantly outnumbering their previous assemblies, positioned near key water points but engaged in only skirmish-style fighting rather than a pitched battle. Despite several days of maneuvers and minor skirmishes, Saladin was unable to draw the Crusaders into a decisive engagement and withdrew his forces after failing to disrupt the Crusader supply lines significantly.

Aftermath:
Guy’s strategy effectively prevented Saladin from capturing key strongholds and kept the Crusader army intact, although the countryside suffered considerable damage. Despite criticism for not engaging in a major battle, Guy’s approach was defended by some for its prudence given the terrain and the strength of Saladin’s forces. This episode set the stage for future confrontations, notably the disastrous Battle of Hattin in 1187, where Guy’s decision to engage led to a significant Crusader defeat.

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